AGP Executive Report

Measles Watch: Kentucky health officials flagged potential measles exposure in Madison County, naming public stops in Richmond (Lowe’s on Eastern Bypass) and nearby Baptist Urgent Care in the University Shopping Center; the state reports 29 confirmed cases so far, mostly among people unvaccinated or with unknown vaccination status. Medicaid Spending Signals: New federal Medicaid billing data show sharp local swings in 2024 claims across Kentucky communities, including big jumps in surgery and drug administration categories (e.g., Monticello surgery up 32.8%, Mount Vernon non-oral drug services up 13.1%, and Hyden coronavirus diagnostic panel up 66.4%). Public Health Funding: Franklin County’s fiscal court approved a 6.2% public health tax rate and OK’d opioid abatement funds for nine local groups after Kentucky’s opioid settlement. Policy Fight: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman asked the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a Biden-era EPA air quality rule, arguing it raises costs for manufacturers, utilities, and farmers without improving health. Local Health Recognition: Russell County preschools earned the state’s top STARS Level Five rating, with officials citing strong teaching quality, learning environments, and health standards.

Measles Alert: Kentucky health officials are warning of potential measles exposure in Richmond and Olive Hill tied to an unvaccinated, out-of-state traveler who visited multiple businesses on Aug. 24, 27 and 28; residents who may have been exposed should check MMR records, watch for symptoms for up to 21 days, and contact a provider. Black Lung Fight: Coal miner advocates are pushing the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration to lift its hold on a 2024 respirable silica rule after new findings show the highest black lung rates since the 1970s, with the worst projections among long-term underground miners. Medicaid Spending Snapshots: New federal data show sharp local swings in Medicaid billing—Medicine Services in Kevil jumped to $6,747 (+145.2%), Pine Knot’s medicine services rose to $44,722 (+16.4%), and Lexington DME MAC spending climbed to $958,528 (+32.3%). Medical Cannabis Milestone: Kentucky opened its 24th licensed dispensary, bringing the state to 50% of its authorized retail footprint. Teen Safety Online: Meta’s landmark teen social media settlement is driving new limits and protections for under-18 users, with parents and lawmakers demanding stronger safeguards.

Measles Watch in Kentucky: The Kentucky Department for Public Health says a potential measles exposure was reported in Richmond and Olive Hill after an unvaccinated, out-of-state traveler visited multiple businesses earlier this month. Health officials urge anyone who may have been there to check MMR records, watch for symptoms for up to 21 days, and call a provider if they develop fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and rash. Medical Cannabis Milestone: Kentucky’s medical cannabis program hit a new milestone with the opening of its 24th licensed dispensary, putting half of the state’s authorized locations into operation. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Whole Foods guacamole recall to its highest-risk level due to possible salmonella contamination; the product was sold in Kentucky and multiple other states. Health Policy in Court: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Biden-era EPA air pollution rule, arguing it’s about politics more than public health. Behavioral Health Leadership: Arisa Health announced a CFO transition, promoting Brian Lutz to replace departing CFO Keith Faught. Safety & De-escalation Tech: ICE awarded a $16.7 million contract to buy electric shock gloves from a Kentucky-based company, describing the tool as intended for de-escalation.

Maternal & Infant Care: Kentucky lawmakers cleared the way for freestanding birth centers, with regulations approved so low-risk pregnancies can get a third option beyond hospitals and home birth. Public Health: Kentucky’s measles outbreak keeps climbing, reaching 29 cases statewide—the most since 1991—with health officials urging vaccination as active cases are concentrated in several counties. Food Safety: A lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak continues to expand nationally, with Kentucky among affected states as confirmed illness counts rise. Opioid Response: The Kentucky Opioid Symposium is set for Oct. 5–6 in Owensboro, bringing prevention, treatment, and recovery partners together with a public registration fee. Health Equity & Access: Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland reports a rise in local food insecurity ahead of Hunger Action Month, highlighting steep need in Warren County. Caregiving & Bias in Diagnosis: A Kentucky family describes how repeated misdiagnosis delayed Alzheimer’s care, underscoring disparities in early diagnosis and clinical trial access. Community Health Services: Bowling Green schools are using on-site clinics and telehealth to respond quickly to student illness concerns as outbreaks and seasonal allergies shift.

Food Safety Alert: Whole Foods’ Mild Guacamole Dip recall was upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level (Class I) after a Salmonella investigation tied to jalapeños from a supplier; the recall covers nearly 13,000 units sold in multiple states. Parasite Outbreak: Cyclospora linked to recalled iceberg lettuce keeps spreading—CDC reports 17,180 lab-confirmed cases nationwide (plus more non-lab cases) and adds Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, while Kentucky’s confirmed count continues to climb. Rural Hospital Funding Fight: Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr spar over how Medicaid cuts and rural health plans will affect Kentucky hospitals, with both sides trading blame over priorities and federal rules. Rural Care Expansion: Doster Construction broke ground on a $78 million Livingston Hospital expansion in Salem, adding new clinical space and modernizing key services. Community Health & Housing: Lexington opened Wellington Park Apartments, a 45-unit senior complex funded through Kentucky Housing Corporation and city affordable housing dollars, aiming to help residents age in place. Workforce & Jobs: MegaFit Meals announced a $9.25 million Marshall County expansion creating 40 new jobs. Health Policy & Privacy: Lexington residents pushed back against Flock license plate reader cameras at a city council meeting, citing privacy concerns. Youth Social Media: Kentucky is among states tied to Meta’s landmark child-safety settlement, which requires major platform changes and large payments.

Title X Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit to block new Title X funding conditions tied to reproductive health and anti-discrimination rules, arguing the limits are unlawful and could cut access to family planning and cancer screenings. Kidney Transplant Story: A Kentucky woman spent 11 years on dialysis after her first donated kidney failed, finally receiving a second transplant through living-donor matching. Maternal Care Update: Kentucky lawmakers cleared regulations for freestanding birth centers, bringing a long-stalled option for low-risk pregnancies closer to reality. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded the cyclospora-linked lettuce recall to the highest risk level and said cases now span 20 states, including Kentucky, after illnesses rose to 11,458. Social Media & Kids: Kentucky is among states in a multistate Meta settlement over teen social media harms, with new protections like daily limits and nighttime curbs. Cancer Care Closer to Home: A new $25 million cancer center in Bullitt County and a UofL Brown Cancer Center facility aim to expand treatment access for rural Kentuckians. Community Health & Prevention: UK campus blood drives are set to support dozens of Kentucky hospitals, with donors encouraged to book ahead. Education & Health Equity: Berea College announced a fully funded four-year degree for all students starting in Fall 2027, covering tuition and living costs without loans.

Cancer Access: UofL Health cut the ribbon on a new Brown Cancer Center facility in Bullitt County, aiming to reduce rural Kentuckians’ long drives for specialty care. Public Health: Kentucky reported nearly 850 cyclospora cases since May, with Jefferson and Fayette leading confirmed counts and dozens hospitalized. Infectious Disease: Kentucky measles updates show the outbreak at 29 cases this year, with officials urging MMR vaccination in low-coverage communities. Food Safety: Whole Foods recalled several dips sold in 13 states, including Kentucky, tied to a jalapeño-linked Salmonella concern—check products like guacamole and salsa. Child Safety & Care: Paducah preschool Olivet 4 Kids is under investigation after complaints about staff background checks and personnel issues. Community Health & Jobs: Gov. Beshear highlighted MegaFit Meals’ $9.25M expansion in Calvert City/Marshall County, adding 40 jobs. Social Media & Youth: Kentucky is among states tied to a major Meta settlement over teen Instagram/Facebook safety, with new limits and “productive pauses” expected to shape broader industry rules. Local Traffic: KYTC delayed a Broadway closure in downtown Louisville to stabilize temporary hospital-area traffic changes.

Meta Settlement: Kentucky and other states reached a landmark deal with Meta over claims Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive for children, with Meta agreeing to pay up to about $17.1 billion and make major youth-safety changes like default two-hour daily limits for under-18 users, nighttime access blocks, reduced school-hour notifications, and hiding public like counts; Meta denies wrongdoing. Kentucky Medical Cannabis: Kentucky hit a milestone with half of licensed dispensaries now open and more than 24,000 active cardholders, as the program expands access across all regions. Rural Health Workforce: Kentucky is leaning more on nurse practitioners as physician shortages worsen, especially in rural areas. Child Safety & Community: Louisville police are investigating a shooting that left a teenage girl in critical condition near a Jefferson County Public Schools bus stop. Public Safety Incident: Louisville firefighters responded to an early-morning electrical fire at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center; it was contained and the South Wing reopened as scheduled. Research & Prevention: UK researchers launched a clinical trial using semaglutide to help adolescents with severe obesity reduce early heart-disease risk. Local Governance: Hillview officials discussed traffic and road-improvement planning for the I-65/I-265 area, with timelines stretching into 2028-29.

Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta (Facebook/Instagram) agreed to a sweeping settlement ending a federal trial over claims it designed addictive features that harmed children. The deal totals up to about $16.68B–$18B, with Kentucky receiving $358M; terms include daily time limits, nighttime blocks, tighter age verification, stronger parental controls, and limits on certain teen-facing features. Local Impact: Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman says the settlement is meant to bring “generational change” for families. Public Health & Access: In Louisville, an I-65 underpass closure for bridge repairs has snarled traffic and delayed commutes for staff at UofL and Norton Hospitals, with detours also backing up. Community Support: The Center for Courageous Kids opened applications for fall family retreats for children with disabilities and lifelong illnesses, offering free, all-inclusive camp time for families. Energy Affordability: Kentucky’s Public Service Commission launched an investigation into the affordability of electric and natural gas service, citing rising residential costs.

Medicaid & Rural Hospitals: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr is pushing back on claims that Kentucky’s Medicaid overhaul could force 35 rural hospitals to close, arguing the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” changes won’t hit until 2027 and urging clarity on the impact. Hospital Traffic Relief: UofL Health says it’s working with transportation officials after I-65 bridge work and downtown closures triggered severe gridlock around hospital entrances and parking, with a Broadway closure delayed. Youth Safety Lawsuit: In the Meta teen-addiction trial, Instagram head Adam Mosseri testified that only a small share of teens used the “Take a Break” feature before it became a default, while states discuss possible mid-trial settlement talks. Community Health: WKYT and the Kentucky Blood Center hit their blood drive goal, and UofL Health and local partners continue efforts to keep care access moving during construction. Local Health Story: A Scott County firefighter is battling stage 2 testicular cancer and is advocating for Kentucky “assumed diagnosis” coverage for first responders. Health & Wellness in Kentucky: Kentucky cattle producers are being urged to start stockpiling cool-season pasture grass now to extend grazing into late fall and early winter.

Prenatal care warning: A new Kentucky report flags rising rates of late or no prenatal care, raising risks for both mothers and babies. Maternal access crunch: A study finds 50% of Kentucky counties are maternity care deserts, leaving many families to travel for basic obstetrics. Medicaid pressure on disability services: Down Syndrome of Louisville says projected Medicaid cuts could disrupt therapies and day programs for more than 3,000 people. Food help after storms: SNAP recipients who lost food in the Aug. 11 storms can apply for replacement benefits by Aug. 31. Local health infrastructure: USDA Rural Development awarded $2.4M for water system upgrades in Harrison County, aimed at improving safe, reliable service. Community care spotlight: A free Remote Area Medical clinic is set for Aug. 28-29 in East Kentucky, offering medical, dental and vision services. Public health systems: Kentucky hospitals are coordinating efforts to catch and treat sepsis faster. Safety & access: Downtown Louisville road closures tied to the I-65 project were delayed, adding traffic headaches near major hospital entrances. Trial watch (youth mental health): Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified in a multi-state case alleging social media harms to children.

School Meals & Local Food: USDA and HHS launched “Harvest to Hallways,” aiming to boost local procurement and invest up to $70M in school kitchen infrastructure, plus Farm to School grants, to improve nutrition for Kentucky students. Food Safety: A renewed wave of recalls and outbreaks is keeping attention on foodborne illness, including a Salmonella Javiana jalapeño outbreak affecting Kentucky and other states. Mental Health Care Access: Kentucky’s new mental health commitment changes (HB 485) give courts an outpatient option instead of forcing only hospitalization or release, aiming for safer, community-based treatment. Stroke Prevention in South-Central KY: Med Center Health in Bowling Green is the first in the region to offer the Neuroguard IEP System for carotid artery disease, designed to reduce stroke risk with a minimally invasive approach. Child Health & Safety: After a Bullitt County school bus overturn, officials reported dozens of minor injuries and transported students for checks. Public Health & Equity: Dare to Care’s Prescription Pantry program says ER visits fell 5% and food insecurity dropped 7% among screened patients. Community Wellness: Free health screenings at the Kentucky State Fair and Project Linus’ blanket-making for traumatized children highlighted local support. Health Policy Watch: Kentucky’s VA plans to switch to a new electronic health records system, with adoption projected by 2031 (possibly sooner).

School Nutrition & Local Food: USDA and HHS announced “Harvest to Hallways,” aiming to boost local procurement and invest up to $70M in school kitchen infrastructure, plus more Farm to School grants, to get healthier meals into Kentucky classrooms. Teacher Stress & Shortages: Kentucky educators say they’re stretched thin by added responsibilities and low pay, with stress and shortages worsening as districts struggle to hire and retain qualified teachers. Food Is Medicine: Dare to Care reported Prescription Pantry results in Kentuckiana, linking food insecurity screening through clinics to fewer ER visits and improved nutrition access. Rare Childhood Cancer Watch: Kentucky health officials are investigating a spike of DIPG cases in Southeastern Kentucky, with state and federal partners including the CDC looking at possible links. Infant Death Case: Former UK student Laken Snelling pleaded guilty to manslaughter and related charges in the death of her newborn found in a closet, with sentencing set for October. VA Records Upgrade: Kentucky VA facilities are moving toward a new electronic health records system, with rollout projected by 2031 but possibly sooner. Clinical Care Advances: Med Center Health in Bowling Green says it’s the first south-central Kentucky hospital offering a new minimally invasive approach for carotid artery disease to reduce stroke risk. Medical Cannabis Progress: Holler Cannabis opened a Lexington cultivation facility, adding to Kentucky’s growing medical marijuana industry.

Measles Watch: Kentucky health officials say the state’s measles outbreak has climbed to 24 cases, with new infections reported in Caldwell and Trigg counties; all cases involve people not vaccinated with MMR, and officials are urging families to check records and get up to date. Public Health Supply: Kentucky Blood Center is asking donors to keep giving after a summer shortage tied to lower turnout and higher transfusion needs, with O-blood donations especially encouraged. Medical Cannabis in Lexington: Holler Cannabis Company is preparing to package its first medical cannabis harvest, a Fayette County step aimed at expanding access to Kentucky-grown products for the state’s qualifying patients. Health Care Access & Safety: A Louisville VA hospital opening has been delayed about a year, affecting traffic planning around the I-264/U.S. 42 interchange rebuild. Community Health & Equity: Louisville hosted “Periods are Metal AF” to fight period poverty, with local groups and artists raising funds for free menstrual supplies. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Publix frozen berry recall to its highest risk level over possible E. coli contamination; UAE officials say no recalled products were sold there. Care for Older Adults: UK HealthCare highlighted how epilepsy can show up differently in older adults, often mistaken for dementia or medication side effects.

Medical Cannabis in Lexington: Holler Cannabis Company is preparing to package its first medical cannabis harvest at Lexington’s first cultivator/processor, with state leaders saying the Fayette County facility will expand access to Kentucky-grown products for about 24,000 patients. Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky’s measles total rose to 24 as the outbreak expanded into Washington and Caldwell counties; all reported cases are in people not vaccinated with MMR. Blood Supply Push: Kentucky Blood Center says supplies remain vulnerable after a summer shortage and is urging donors to give during a Sept. 2 Danville drive. Food Safety Recalls: FDA-linked recalls hit both pets and people’s kitchens: Fromm wet dog food is recalled for possible metal contamination, and Publix frozen berries were upgraded to the FDA’s highest risk level over possible E. coli. Healthcare Funding & Oversight: Kentucky received $1.5 million in DOJ grants to hire prosecutors targeting healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Organ Donation Caution: A Kentucky organ donation case highlights why consent and safeguards are more complex than “checking a box.”

KSP & Public Safety: Kentucky State Police are searching for Zachary Partin, 27, after a shooting in Whitley County left a 64-year-old man hospitalized; investigators say an argument escalated at the victim’s home and Partin fled. Healthcare Safety: A medication error at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown in Nashville is under investigation after four patients reportedly received the wrong drug during routine joint replacement surgery, with at least one patient left paralyzed. Health Policy & Access: Kentucky opened a limited-time LIHEAP Summer Subsidy Cooling Component for help with electricity costs for AC; applications run until Sept. 11 unless funding is exhausted. Organ Donation & Trust: A Kentucky organ donation case highlights why consent and safeguards are more complicated than “checking a box,” urging families to do their homework. Aging Services: A primer explains Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services for Older Adults and the barriers many seniors face in getting care at home. Food Safety: Two dog food recalls were issued nationwide over Salmonella and possible metal contamination, with distribution including Kentucky. Fraud Enforcement: Kentucky received $1.5 million in DOJ grants to hire special assistant U.S. attorneys targeting healthcare fraud, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.